Lioresal Can Treat Skeletal Pain due to Multiple Sclerosis

Baclofen is the generic name for a prescription drug that is sold under the name of Lioresal. This drug can be given through the oral route in the form of tablets or can be injected via injectable solution. It is primarily used for striated skeletal muscles that have strained themselves or have reduced elasticity or spasms arising from disease like multiple sclerosis. These belong to the neurotransmitter group called as gamma – amino butyric acid (GABA). Neurotransmitters are chemicals that brain utilizes to send signals and messages to the nerves. It is believed that GABA when released may cause a depletion of activity of some specific type of nerves which are responsible for controlling the skeletal movements of the body. Baclofen controls this activity by competing with GABA and enhancing the relaxation of muscle and tendons around the skeletal body. Baclofen was approved by the FDA in 1977 and has been successfully sold all across the regions under the brand name of Lioresal. The preparation of the tablets is of the strength 10 and 20 mg. the injectable that are given in intrathecal way can be from 0.05mg/ml to 2mg/ml dosage. Depending upon the state of the pain or skeletal condition the usual dose in adults that is administered is 5mg two to three times in 24 hours. Once the activity improves the dosage can be adjusted to high or low as what the doctor says. Lioresal apart from skeletal issues is readily used to treat rigidity and pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Severe spasticity can be treated successfully with intrathecal injectable of baclofen. The maximum amount of dosage that can be given to an adult is 80 mg in a day that must be administered in divided form. Baclofen can interact with other medication such as Nardil or Parnatel which includes phenelzine and tranylcypromine respectively can lead to lower brain function. If you are on anti-depressants then report it to the doctor as Lioresal may have adverse effect such as low blood pressure and muscle weakness. Patients who suffer from diabetes may need to monitor their blood glucose levels as baclofen tends to induce high sugar levels thus making it a crucial step to monitor anti diabetic drug dosage. As of now the use of baclofen has not been ruled out for pregnant women, even in nursing mothers though baclofen can be detected in the breast milk of women who have been administered Lioresal tablets through the oral route whereas those female patients who are given injectable intrathecally remains undetected. Some of the common side effects of this drug are weakness, nausea, vomiting, increased micturition, tendency to have low blood pressure. It can also have gastro intestinal discomfort such as constipation and difficulty in swallowing. Sleep deficiency is also reported by few patients. If you are prescribed this drug abrupt discontinuation can be harmful for your health and may lead to hallucinations and seizure attack. Thus if you take Lioresal it is always advisable to take this drug under medical supervision.

The information provided on this site is not intended to replace any advice given by your physician or other health care workers. Additionally, you should not attempt to utilize any of this information to treat or diagnose a medical problem without first seeking advice from a qualified medical professional. Further, it is vital that you read any and all instructions and precautions listed on the label of any medication you are prescribed. If you suspect you may be suffering from a medical issue please contact your doctor right away.